recurrence of these tliouglits makes them chng to life : not that Hfe is pleasant to them ; but they are afraid to die. Compelled at last by inward uneasiness, they perhaps put to some friend a question respecting the evidences of our acceptance with God. They are then answered in the most confident manner, that, as they have done no harm, and have been very attentive to their duties in life, they have no cause of fear. The satisfaction founded on such an answer as this, soon passes away ; and their former fears return. Now perhaps they would be glad to see some person, whose piety they have heretofore ridiculed as needless preciseness : but they are afraid, lest a conversation with him should confirm, rather than remove, their doubts and fears. They wish, but cannot make up their minds, to send for him. Perhaps they suggest the idea to their attendant, but are dissuaded from encouraging it : they are told with increasing con- fidence, that all is well with them. Perhaps they persevere in their wishes, and a faithful monitor is sent for. The servant of God deals tenderly with them, but at the same time points out the errors they have fallen into, and the importance of seeking salva- tion in another way. This disquiets them for a time, and makes them doubly earnest about their souls. The faithful monitor repeats his visit : but the officious friends have barred the door against him ; or perhaps have over-persuaded the dying man to decline all further interviews, and to venture his soul upon his own delusions. Any excuse is offered : the dying man is asleep, or too ill to see any one ; and thus the only remaining hope for the poor man is banished. Such consolations as are founded on error and pre- sumption are administered to the last : and at length the disembodied spirit rushes unprepared into the presence of its God.
But who can conceive the surprise and horror of the soul at the instant of its separation from the body ? Methinks it shrinks back, wishing if possible to hide itself in its former tenement of clay. But the time is come for it to be undeceived. Now it sees the weakness